Powered toothbrush

ABSTRACT

A powered toothbrush include a head containing a rotating or oscillating first bristle carrier and also containing a second bristle carrier movably connected to the head, which second bristle carrier may include elastomeric walls for enhanced cleaning and may include a weakened section to permit it to at least partially collapse during a brushing motion to contour to the teeth in use for enhanced cleaning.

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/963,716, filedOct. 14, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,293, which is a division of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/128,617, filed Apr. 23, 2002, now abandoned,both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to powered toothbrushes, and moreparticularly, to a toothbrush having a head with two distinct sectionsthat each provides cleaning and/or massaging oral health benefits to thesoft and hard tissues of the mouth.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Toothbrushes provide many oral hygiene benefits, including for example,toothbrushes remove plaque and food debris to help avoid tooth decay anddisease. They remove stained pellicle from the surface of each tooth tohelp whiten the teeth. Also, the bristles combined with the brushingmotion massage the gingival tissue for stimulation and increased healthof the tissue.

Powered toothbrushes have been available for some time. Poweredtoothbrushes have advantages over manual (non-powered) toothbrushes inthat they impart movement to the bristles at much higher speeds thanpossible manually. They also may impart different types and directionsof motion. These motions, in combination with manual movement of thetoothbrush by the user, generally provides superior cleaning than manualtoothbrushes. Typically, powered toothbrushes are powered by disposableor rechargeable batteries that power an electric motor that in turndrives the toothbrush head.

Known powered toothbrushes include a brush head with a bristle carrierportion that rotates, oscillates or vibrates in some manner so as toclean the teeth. The bristles, which typically comprise bristle tufts,are generally uniform with one end fixed into the bristle carrierportion and the other end free to contact the surface of the teeth whilebrushing. The free ends of the various tufts present a surface envelopethat is capable of some deformation when the bristles bend. When incontact with the surface to be brushed, the bristles may deform so thatthe surface envelope tends to conform to the complex surface of theteeth. Human teeth generally lie in a “C” shaped curve within the upperand lower jaw, and each row of teeth consequently has a convex outercurve and a concave inner curve. Individual teeth often have extremelycomplex surfaces, with areas that may be flat, concave, or convex. Themore precise conformation between the bristles and the tooth surface,the more effective the toothbrush may be in cleaning, whitening and/orstimulating.

Known powered toothbrushes typically arrange the bristles in a compactconical or cylindrical pattern on a generally circular, disk-shapedbristle carrier. The powered toothbrush heads are traditionally compact,generally circular face from which a flat trimmed bristle patternextends. Alternatively, other head shapes and bristle patterns areavailable.

One example of a powered toothbrush is depicted in U.S. Pat. No.5,625,916 to McDougall, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. The toothbrush shown in McDougall has a disc-shaped bristlecarrier. The bristle carrier, and thus the bristles, are driven in avibrating or oscillating manner. This type of toothbrush is describedherein with reference to FIGS. 1A–1C. A toothbrush 5 includes a handleportion 10 at a proximal end of the toothbrush 5 and a head 11 at adistal end of the toothbrush 5. The handle portion 10 has compartmentsfor containing a powered motor 14 and batteries 15 and 16. The head 11includes a generally circular bristle holder (carrier) 13. A rotatableshaft 12 extends from the motor 14 to the head 11. A shaft coupling 17may be located along the shaft 12 and configured to provide for theshaft 12 to be separated at a point between the motor 14 and the head11. This permits the head 11 to be removed from the toothbrush 5, e.g.,for cleaning, servicing, or replacement.

The head 11 includes a post 18 that provides a rotational pivot axis forthe bristle holder 13 containing bristle tufts 19. The distal end of theshaft 12 has a journal or offset 20 that is radially displaced from thelongitudinal axis of the shaft 12, which may be integrally formedtherewith. The bristle holder 13 has a slot 22 that receives the offset20. The offset 20 and slot 22 are configured so as to be oriented towardthe intersection of the shaft 12 axis and the longitudinal axis of thepost 18. When the motor 14 rotates the shaft 12, the motion of theoffset 20 defines a circle about the shaft 12 axis and drivingly engagesthe slot 22 such that the bristle holder 13 vibrates or oscillates aboutthe post 18 axis through a rotational angle A. The rotational angle A isdefined by the displacement of the offset 20 from the shaft 12 axisrelative to the diameter of the bristle holder 13.

Although powered toothbrushes such as those described immediately aboveprovide advantages over manual toothbrushes, they are subject to variouslimitations. Providing a rotating or oscillating bristle holder(carrier) with a typical circular, oblong or oval toothbrush headconstrains the size of the moving bristle holder, and consequently thearea of bristles available for teeth cleaning. Also, when the bristlesare placed in contact with the teeth during brushing, there is lessbristle contact with adjacent areas, such as the gums. Thus, while thesecompact bristle patterns provide for cleaning, there is minimalwhitening and stimulation.

One attempt to overcome the limitations associated with a small poweredbristle area is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,083 to Blaustein et al. Thetoothbrush in Blaustein et al. has a bristle area and pattern similar toa manual toothbrush, but an area of the bristles has simply beenreplaced by a powered bristle section. The result is that the head has apowered or moving bristle section and static bristle section. Thelimitation of Blaustein et al. is that the static bristle sectionprovides no better cleaning, whitening or stimulation than a manualtoothbrush.

International Application No. PCT/EP01/07615 of Braun GmbH discloses apowered toothbrush with two separate bristle parts that can move. Eachbristle part can have a different range and/or type of motion. However,only one bristle part is powered. The other unpowered bristle part movesdue to a resonance effect imparted by the frequency of the movement ofthe first bristle part. This free resonance causes a number ofdifficulties. First, because any contact between the bristle parts willdampen or cancel any resonance of the unpowered bristle part, theunpowered bristle part “floats” separately from the powered bristlepart. This necessitates separation or gaps between them. These gapsexpose the internal workings of the head to foreign matter such aswater, saliva, toothpaste, and food particles. This foreign matter mayinterfere with the workings of the unpowered bristle head. For example,the unpowered bristle part is spring-loaded to assist its resonance.Foreign matter may accumulate on or around the spring, interfering withits function. In addition, food particles may remain in the head and mayfester and host microorganisms, which are undesirable if not potentiallyharmful when introduced directly into the mouth. Another limitation ofsuch a design is that movement of the unpowered bristle part may bedamped by contact with the teeth, or lessened when the frequency of thepowered part shifts from the resonance frequency. This can occur due topressure imparted against the powered bristle part by the teeth or gumsduring brushing. Finally, the energy imparted to the unpowered bristlepart is only a portion of the energy input into the powered part.Therefore, the unpowered bristle part is less effective in cleaning thanthe powered part, limiting the overall effectiveness of the toothbrush.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a powered toothbrush with increasedeffectiveness through a larger area of powered or driven bristles orbristles that are otherwise movable. There is also a need for atoothbrush having increased whitening and/or stimulation than knowntoothbrushes. There is further a need for such improved toothbrushes tobe comparable in manufacturing and purchasing costs as known poweredtoothbrushes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion at aproximal end and a head at a distal end with a neck being formed betweenthe handle portion and the head. According to one embodiment, the headhas two distinct movable parts that provide cleaning and/or massagingoral health benefits since each is adapted to have a number of bristlesor elastomeric cleaning members extending therefrom to contact surfacesof the teeth and surrounding areas. The toothbrush has a drive mechanismthat imparts movement to the first movable part to deliver a cleaning,polishing, whitening action that supplements the cleaning efficiency ofa typical powered toothbrush.

In one embodiment, the first movable head part is a first bristlecarrier that supports at least one set of bristle tufts. The firstbristle carrier is operatively mounted to the head and is coupled to thedrive mechanism such that the first bristle carrier rotates and/oroscillates back and forth in a direction parallel to the toothbrushhead. Preferably, the first bristle carrier oscillates back and forth ina rotational direction. The second movable part is in the form of asecond bristle carrier that includes a platform (formed of a rigidand/or elastomeric material) that is operatively mounted to the head andincludes upstanding elastomeric walls formed at first and second sidesof the platform. The second bristle carrier also preferably includes atleast one set of bristles disposed between the upstanding elastomericwalls. During a brushing motion, the bristles and elastomeric walls flexas they encounter the teeth and gingival tissue to provide the oral carebenefits that are disclosed herein.

In another exemplary embodiment, the platform has a weakened sectionformed therein in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis ofthe head such that upon application of a force to the second bristlecarrier, the platform at least partially collapses along the weakenedsection. This results in movement (e.g., inward flexing) of theelastomeric walls and the at least one set of bristles to provide oralcare benefits.

In yet another embodiment, the second bristle carrier has an “I-beam”construction in that it includes a platform extending across the headand a web that connects the platform to the head. The platform includesat least one set of bristles extending upwardly therefrom. According toone configuration, at least the web is formed of an elastomeric materialto permit the platform and at least one set of bristles formed as a partthereof to flex and move during a brushing motion. It will also beappreciated that the platform can also be formed of an elastomericmaterial and/or a rigid material used in combination with a web that isformed of a rigid material and/or an elastomeric material. The platformcan also include elastomeric side walls that flex during the brushingmotion.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the foregoing detailed description when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be morereadily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings ofillustrative embodiments of the invention in which:

FIG. 1A is a front cross-sectional view of a conventional powderedtoothbrush including a head;

FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the toothbrush head ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a partial cross-sectional front view of the toothbrush headof FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a front and side perspective view of a powered toothbrushaccording to the present invention with a toothbrush head havingdistinct first and second sections, said second section being shown ingeneral, i.e. dotted lines to indicate that several alternativeembodiments are possible for said second section;

FIG. 3 is a front and side perspective view of an embodiment of thepowered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein aparticular embodiment of said second section is shown in detail;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the powered toothbrush head of the poweredtoothbrush embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 4A–4C are a top plan view and elevated cross-section views of analternate embodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the poweredtoothbrush embodiment of FIG. 3, in motion;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the poweredtoothbrush head of the powered toothbrush embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6A–6B are elevated cross-section views of another embodiment ofthe powered toothbrush head of FIG. 3 in motion;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the powered toothbrush head of thepowered toothbrush of FIGS. 6 a–6 b engaging teeth;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the powered toothbrush head of thepowered toothbrush of FIGS. 6 a–6 b engaging teeth at an oblique angle;

FIG. 9 is a front and side perspective view of the powered toothbrushhead of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein another embodiment ofsaid second section is shown in detail;

FIG. 10 is a front and side perspective view of the powered toothbrushhead of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein another embodiment ofsaid second section is shown in detail;

FIG. 11 is a front and side perspective view of the powered toothbrushhead of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein another embodiment ofsaid second section is shown in detail;

FIG. 12 is a front and side perspective view of another preferredembodiment of the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush ofthe present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front and side perspective exploded view of the poweredtoothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front and side perspective exploded view of anotherembodiment the powered toothbrush head of the powered toothbrush of FIG.12;

FIG. 15A–15C are elevated cross-section views of the powered toothbrushhead of the embodiment of FIG. 12, in motion;

FIG. 16 is a front and side perspective view of the powered toothbrushhead of he powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein another embodiment ofsaid second section is shown in detail;

FIG. 17 is a front and side perspective view of the powered toothbrushhead of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein another embodiment ofsaid second section is shown in detail;

FIG. 18 is a front and side perspective view of the powered toothbrushhead of the powered toothbrush of FIG. 2, wherein another embodiment ofsaid second section is shown in detail;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care elementhaving a first configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrush head;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care elementhaving a second configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrushhead;

FIG. 19C is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care elementhaving a third configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrush head;

FIG. 19D is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care elementhaving a fourth configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrushhead; and

FIG. 19E is a perspective view of an elastomeric tooth care elementhaving a fifth configuration and adapted for use in the toothbrush head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring first to FIGS. 2 through 11 in which an exemplary poweredtoothbrush according to a first embodiment is illustrated and generallyindicated at 100. The toothbrush 100 includes a handle 102 at a proximalend that defines an interior compartment (not illustrated) for housingvarious toothbrush components and a brush section 104 that is defined bya neck 110 that terminates in a head 120 at a distal end of thetoothbrush 100. The handle 102 has a free proximal end 108 and anopposite neck end 106. The neck 110 generally extends from a first end114 to a second end 116 with the first end 114 being located at the neckend 106 of the handle 102 and the second end 116 being located at thehead 120. In other words, the neck 110 is the portion of the toothbrush100 that extends between the handle 102 and the head 120. The neck 110also defines an interior compartment (not illustrated) for housingvarious working components of the toothbrush 100. The head 120 is may begenerally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 100 ormay be mounted on a neck 110 with is angled with respect to said handle102.

According to one embodiment, the neck 110 and the handle 102 areconstructed as a unitary member by forming the neck 110 integral to thehandle 102 at the neck end 106 of the handle 102. In another embodiment,the neck 110 is detachable from the handle 102 at the neck end 106 ofthe neck 110. In this embodiment, the combined neck 110 and head 120 canbe removed from the handle 102 to permit cleaning, servicing and/orinterchanging of either the handle 102 or the combined neck 110 and head120. When the neck 110 is detachable from the handle 102, i.e. areplaceable head 120/neck 110 assembly, the first neck end 114 caninclude a connector (not illustrated) that is adapted to be detachablyjoined to the handle 102 using traditional techniques.

It will further be appreciated that the illustrated shapes of the handle102 and neck 110 are merely exemplary in nature and the handle 102and/or neck 110 can be formed to have any number of shapes. Preferably,the shapes of the handle 102 and the neck 110 are ergonomicallyefficient and pleasing to a user of the toothbrush 100 and provide atoothbrush that is easily gripped, held and manipulated by the user. Forexample, the handle 102 can include slightly recessed finger sections118 which are formed on opposite sides of the handle 102. One recessedfinger section 118 is designed to receive the thumb of one hand and theother recessed finger section 118 is designed to receive one or moreother fingers of the same hand to thereby assist the user in properplacement of the toothbrush 100 in the user's hand. One or more of therecessed finger sections 118 can include ribs or another type ofroughened surface to assist the user in gripping the toothbrush in therecessed finger sections 118.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 9, 10, 11, et seq., the head 120 of thetoothbrush 100 includes a head base 160 that partially defines an innercompartment of the head 120. The head base 160 can be constructed sothat it terminates in a rounded distal end 162, which actually definesthe distal end of the toothbrush 100. Preferably, the head base 160 isintegrally attached to the second end 116 of the neck 110.

The head 120 also includes a first movable bristle carrier 180 which isillustrated as being at the outermost or distal portion of the head 120.The first bristle carrier 180 can have a construction that is eitheridentical to or similar to that of the bristle holder 13 illustrated inFIGS. 1A–1C. The first movable bristle carrier 180 is preferably a diskwith a circular cross-section face which it is intended to rotate oroscillate in a rotational manner. However, it will be appreciated thatthe first movable bristle carrier 180 is not limited to having a diskshape and can have any number of different shapes, such as egg-shaped,an oval or various other regular or irregular shapes, so long as thefirst moveable bristle carrier 180 can oscillate in a rotational manner.A circular shape is preferred since it requires the least amount ofclearance to accommodate the oscillating movement.

A plurality of bristles 152 are coupled to and extend outwardly from thefirst movable bristle carrier 180. As used herein, the term “bristles”generally defines tooth care elements and includes any type of structurethat is commonly used or is suitable for use in providing oral healthbenefits (e.g., tooth cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, etc.)by making intimate contact with surfaces of the teeth and surroundingareas (e.g., gingival tissue). Such bristles include but are not limitedto individual bristle strands or tufts of bristles (i.e., a set ofbristles) that can be formed to have a number of different shapes andsizes and the bristles can also be in the form of elastomeric members,i.e. elongated elastomeric walls which may be linear or serpentineand/or elastomeric fingers, such as illustrated in FIGS. 19A–19E, or thebristles can include a combination of any of the aforementioned toothcare elements. As illustrated, the arrangement of bristle tufts are onlyexemplary configurations or bristle patterns and it will be understoodthat other bristle configurations secured to the head in a conventionalway (such as stapled, IMT technology, etc.) can be used and the bristletufts can be formed of the same or different bristle materials (such asnylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.) Moreover, whilethe bristles can be arranged so that they are generally perpendicular tothe surface or face of the toothbrush from which they extend, some orall of the bristles can be angled at various angles with respect to theface of the toothbrush. Using such different configurations, types andangles of bristles helps provide enhanced cleaning and massaging of theteeth and gums, especially in hard to penetrate areas, such as betweenthe teeth and below the gum line.

FIGS. 19A–19E illustrate various exemplary elastomeric members thatserve as bristles 152. FIG. 19A shows an elastomeric tooth care elementin the form of a thin spike; FIG. 19B shows an elastomeric tooth careelement in the form of a barrel spike; FIG. 19C shows an elastomerictooth care element in the form of a squeegee point; FIG. 19D shows anelastomeric tooth care element in the form of an angled point; and FIG.19E shows an elastomeric tooth care element in the form of a section ofan elastomeric wall. The elastomeric wall of FIG. 19E can have a linear,planar shape; a zigzag shape; a serpentine shape, etc. All of the aboveelastomeric tooth care elements can have smooth textures or can haverough surfaces. In addition, the wall sections of the elastomeric toothcare elements can be vertically straight, taper toward inward toward oneend or expand toward one end. The tops of the elastomeric tooth carewalls can have a planar surface or can have a protrusion (i.e., hump) orthe like formed thereat.

The toothbrush 100 includes a drive mechanism to effectuate movement ofcertain parts of the toothbrush 100 and more specifically, for causingmovement of the first movable bristle carrier 180. Any known geared typeof drive structure can be used to oscillate said first movable bristlecarrier 180, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,083 or thatdisclosed in PCT publication WO 01/19281. One exemplary drive mechanismis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916 to McDougall, which has beenpreviously incorporated herein by reference and includes a rotatingdrive shaft 200 that extends at least through the neck 110 (i.e., theinner compartment thereof). The drive shaft 200 preferably has aconstruction that is the same as or similar in nature to the shaft 12illustrated in FIGS. 1A–1C.

The drive mechanism for the powered toothbrush 100 can be any type ofdrive, e.g., a rotating drive, an oscillating drive, an eccentric drive,an unbalanced-generated drive, a drive having one more gearingmechanisms, and/or the like, that is capable of performing the intendedfunction. The drive mechanism can be realized in the form of an electricmotor or other type of motor and the movement generated by the drive canbe imparted to one or more sections of the head 120 or to other elementsthat can be present at the brush section, such as bristle tufts,elastomeric members. The movement can be imparted directly through adriving axle, such as drive shaft 200 or it can be imparted through adriving post attached to the driving axle. When the toothbrush 100includes an oscillating drive mechanism either identical to or similarto the exemplary drive mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C, theinterior compartment of the handle 102 houses a motor operativelyconnected to the drive shaft 200 and a source to power the motor, suchas one or more batteries.

The toothbrush 100 further includes a second bristle carrier 132 that isoperatively mounted on the head 120. The second movable bristle carrier132 comprises a platform 134 having a first end 136, a second end 138, afirst end midpoint 140, a second end midpoint 142, a midpoint, a farside 300, a near side 302, an upper surface 304 and a lower surface. Theplatform 134 is attached to the head base 160 by supports which may beof such a thin plastic so as to bend readily or of an elastomer, so asto bend readily. In the preferred embodiment, the platform 134 isattached along two sections, at the far side 300 and the near side 302.The platform 134 can be formed of a rigid material or can be formed ofan elastomeric material.

The platform 134 may have a weakened section 308 incorporated therein tofacilitate movement of the second bristle carrier 132 upon applicationof a force to the upper surface 304. For example, a longitudinal groove(i.e., a score) 330 can be formed in at least one of the upper surface304. In the illustrated embodiment, a single groove 330 is formed acrossthe upper surface 304. The groove 330 forms a weakened section 308longitudinally within the platform 134 (a so called “living hinge” isformed).

FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate another embodiment of a platform 134including two grooves 330. Herein, the center section may be deformedabout grooves 330 which form hinges when a force A is applied. FIG. 4Billustrates the second bristle carrier 132 in the relaxed condition,prior to any application of force A. FIG. 4C illustrated that when astress or force, force A, is applied to the face or upper surface 304,the center section may collapse toward the head base 160 and the toothcare elements 152 and the vertical elastomeric elements 340 formed onthe upper surface 304 flex inwardly toward one another as a result ofsuch deformation.

FIG. 5 illustrates the platform 134 with the weakened section 308 inanother embodiment wherein openings (slots or gaps) 310 are formed alongthe weakened section 308 so as to define a number of discrete weakenedsections to allow for more flexibility to the hinge.

The cross-section of FIG. 6A illustrates another embodiment of thesecond bristle carrier 132 in a relaxed condition prior to applicationof a force to the face or upper surface 304. FIG. 6B illustrates thesecond bristle carrier 132 and platform 134 in a stressed or deformedcondition after a force A is applied to the upper surface 304. When aforce is applied to the upper surface 304, the upper surface 304 deformsabout the hinge created by the one or more grooves 330. This results inthe upper surface 304 at least partially collapsing along the hingesection. The bristles 152 formed on the upper surface 304 flex inwardlytoward one another as a result of such deformation, as illustrated inFIG. 6B. The elastomeric second bristle carrier 132 can thus be thoughtof as a hinged block that has shock absorbing characteristics. When theapplied force is removed, the second bristle carrier 132 returns to itsrelaxed condition due to its elastomeric nature.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, illustrating the deforming movement when thehead 120 is in contact with the teeth 500. FIG. 7 illustrates the secondcarrier 132 pressed against the side of the teeth 500 and FIG. 8illustrates the second carrier pressed against the teeth 500 at anoblique angle. Both figures illustrate the deformation of the platform134 and the bristles and elastomeric elements extending therefrom. Thevertical elastomeric element 340 is collapsed upon the surface of theteeth 500 to increase contact. This will enhance cleaning, whitening andmassaging.

Preferably, the bristles 152 that extend upwardly from the upper surface304 are a plurality of elastomeric members (such as those shown in FIGS.9–11 and 16–18) that are formed integrally with the elastomeric secondbristle carrier 132. For example, the bristles 152 can be formed in thesame molding operation that forms the elastomeric second bristle carrier132. Thus, while the elastomeric second bristle carrier 132 is describedas a bristle carrier, it will be understood that the carrier 132 neednot necessarily have to include traditional nylon bristles.

FIGS. 3, 9–11 and 16–18 illustrate numerous elastomeric members/verticalelastomeric elements 340. The vertical elastomeric elements 340 aretypically located proximate to the far side 300 and the near side 302 ofthe platform 134. However, a single vertical elastomeric element or acombination of such vertical elastomeric elements 340 can extend acrossthe width of the second bristle carrier 132. These vertical elastomericelements 340 may be numerous different shapes and embodiments. FIG. 3illustrates a straight wall; FIG. 9 illustrates a “butterfly wing”,where the element is curvilinear and is only attached proximate to thefirst end 136 and the second end 138; FIG. 10 illustrates a “paddle”formation, where the element has wide rounded-edge protrusions; FIG. 11illustrates “dragon teeth”; where the element has a series of shortpointed protrusions spaced close together; FIG. 16 illustrates anelement that is curvilinear in shape; FIG. 17 illustrates “fingers”,narrow, closely spaced protrusions; and FIG. 18 illustrates opposingflaps. It will also be appreciated that any of the forgoing embodimentscan be interchanged onto any second carrier regardless of the how oreven if that second carrier is hinged or how that second carrier ismounted to the head base 160.

FIGS. 12 through 18 illustrate views of another exemplary headembodiment of the present invention. The handle 102, neck 110, drive,and head base 160 may be the same as described above. However, referringto FIGS. 12 and 13, the second movable bristle carrier 132 is supportedfrom said head base 160 by an “I-beam” type formation. The platform 134of the second bristle carrier 132 is supported by an “I-beam” typeformation or a web 400 which may be constructed of an elastomericmaterial possibly with a rigid polymer core to add strength thereto oraccording to an alternative embodiment, a rigid web 400 can be used incombination with an elastomeric platform 134. The web 400 may extend, ina preferred embodiment, from about the first end midpoint 140 to aboutthe second end midpoint 142. The platform 134 can flex and bend aboutthe web 400. FIG. 14 illustrates a plurality of webs 400 spanning thelongitudinal length of lower surface of the platform 134.

FIGS. 15A–15C illustrate the embodiment of FIGS. 12–14 in motion. FIG.15B illustrates the platform 134, tilting about the web 400, toward thefar side 300 due to force B. FIG. 15C illustrates the platform 134tilting toward the near side 302 due to a force C and 15A shows theplatform 134 at rest.

FIGS. 16–18 illustrate further embodiments of the vertical elastomericelements 340 which may be used with the described invention.

It will also be appreciated that in any of the foregoing embodiments,the toothbrush head can have a number of static tooth care elementsdisposed thereabout in a number of different locations.

The toothbrush 100 according to the various embodiments disclosed hereincan be made from any number of materials that are suitable for use inoral care products, such as toothbrushes, etc. For example, many of thecomponents that are included in the toothbrush 100 are formed of plasticmaterials. Accordingly, the handle 102 and head 120 of the poweredtoothbrush 100 can be molded from polyolefins such as polypropylenes andpolyethylenes, polyamids such as nylons, and polyesters such aspolyethylene terephthalate. Other suitable materials includepolymethylmethacrylate, styrene acroylonitrate and cellulose esters, forexample cellulose propionate.

When the tooth care elements are in the form of tufts of bristles, thebristles of can be made from a flexible material suitable for dentalhygiene. Generally, materials suitable for bristles are polyamides suchas nylon or polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate. When thetooth care elements are in the form of elastomeric members, they can bemade from any number of suitable elastomeric materials, such as a blockcopolymer. Preferred block copolymers include styrenes (for examplestyrene ethylene butadiene styrene, or styrene butadiene styrene),polyolefins (for example polypropylene/ethylene propylene diaminemodified systems (i.e. synthetic rubber)), polyamides (for examplepolyamide (2 or polyamide 6), polyesters (for example polyester ester orpolyether ester), polyurethanes (for example polyesterurethane,polyetherurethane or polyesteretherurethane).

Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed outfundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferredembodiment thereof it will be understood that various omissions,substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devicesillustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in theart without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, it is expressly intended that all combinations of thoseelements and/or steps which perform substantially the same function, insubstantially the same way, to achieve the same results are within thescope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one describedembodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It isalso to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn toscale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature. It is theintention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope ofthe claims appended hereto.

1. A powered toothbrush head comprising: a base and first and secondmovable parts; the first movable part being mounted for movementrelative to the base and including (i) a first platform having a firstupper face, and (ii) at least one bristle portion extending outward fromthe first upper face to contact a user's teeth; and the second movablepart including (i) a second platform having a second upper face, (ii) atleast one bristle portion extending outward from the upper face, and(iii) at least one elastomeric wall member upstanding on the secondupper face, each bristle portion and elastomeric wall member beingadapted to contact the user's teeth wherein the first upper face isgenerally circular, the second upper face is generally elongate andprovided with a concave front end that wraps partially about the firstupper face, and the at least one elastomeric wall and the at least onebristle portion are arranged to generally cover the second upper faceincluding the portions partially wrapped about the first upper face. 2.The toothbrush of clam 1 wherein the first movable part is adapted foroscillation about an axis extending generally perpendicular to the firstupper face.
 3. The toothbrush head of claim 1 wherein the second upperface gradually narrows to a rounded convex end at a rear end of thesecond movable part.
 4. The toothbrush head of claim 1 wherein the atleast one elastomeric wall is curved.
 5. The toothbrush head of claim 4wherein the at least one elastomeric wall extends at least partially ina lateral direction along the second platform.
 6. The toothbrush head ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one elastomeric wall is positioned along aperimeter portion of the second platform.
 7. The toothbrush head ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one elastomeric wall includes end portionspositioned by the forward ends of the concave front end at the forwardend of the second upper face.
 8. The toothbrush head of claim 1 whereinthe at least one bristle portion on the second platform extends fartherfrom the second upper face than the at last one elastomeric wall.
 9. Thetoothbrush head of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric wall is formed as animperforate, elongate wall with an upper edge to contact the user'steeth.
 10. The toothbrush head of claim 1 wherein the first upper faceis provided with only a plurality of bristle portions for contacting theuser's teeth.
 11. A powered toothbrush head comprising a base and firstand second movable parts; the first movable part being mounted formovement relative to the base and including (i) a first platform havinga first upper face, and (ii) at least one bristle portion extendingoutward from the first upper face to contact a user's teeth; and thesecond movable part including (i) a second platform having a secondupper face, (ii) at least one bristle portion extending outward from theupper face, and (iii) at least one elastomeric wall member upstanding onthe second upper face, each bristle portion and elastomeric wall memberbeing adapted to contact the user's teeth, wherein the base includes alongitudinal opening and the second movable part includes at least onetongue received into the opening, the tongue including flanges thatextend laterally beyond the opening to hold the second movable part tothe base.
 12. The toothbrush head of claim 11 wherein the tongue andopening are generally aligned along the longitudinal axis of the head.13. A powered toothbrush head comprising: a base and first and secondmovable parts; the base having a longitudinal axis and an upper surfaceto which the first and second movable parts are attached, the uppersurface including an opening generally along the longitudinal axis; thefirst movable part being mounted for movement relative to the base andincluding (i) a first platform having a generally circular first upperface, and (ii) at least one bristle portion extending outward from theupper face in a first direction and being adapted to contact a user'steeth, the first movable part being capable of oscillating movementabout an axis extending generally in the first direction; and the secondmovable part being mounted for movement relative to the base andincluding (i) a second platform having a generally elongate second upperface with a concave arc on a forward end that wraps partially about thefirst upper face, the second upper face gradually narrowing to a roundedconvex end at the a rear end thereof, (ii) at least one bristle portionextending outward from the upper face in the first direction, (iii) atleast one elastomeric curved wall member upstanding along a peripheraledge of the second upper face in the first direction, each bristleportion and elastomeric wall member being adapted to contact the user'steeth, and (iv) a tongue extending in a second direction opposite to thefirst direction for receipt in the opening in the base, the tongueincluding flanges that extend laterally beyond the opening to hold thesecond movable pad to the base.
 14. The toothbrush head of claim 13wherein the at least one elastomeric wall and the at least one bristleportion are arranged to generally cover the second upper face includingthe portions partially wrapped about the first upper face.
 15. Thetoothbrush head of claim 14 wherein the at least one elastomeric wallextends into the forward portions of the arc at the forward end of thesecond upper face.
 16. The toothbrush head of claim 15 wherein the atleast one elastomeric wall is formed as an imperforate, elongate wallwith an upper edge to contact the user's teeth.
 17. The toothbrush headof claim 15 wherein the at least one bristle portion on the secondplatform extends in the first direction farther from the second upperface than the at least one elastomeric wall.
 18. The toothbrush head ofclaim 15 wherein the at least one elastomeric wall extends at leastpartially in a lateral direction along the second platform.
 19. Apowered toothbrush head comprising: a base and first and second movableparts; the base having an upper side to which the first and secondmovable parts are attached, and a slot opening in the upper side; thefirst movable part being mounted for movement relative to the base andincluding (i) a first platform having a first upper face, and (ii) atleast one first tooth cleaning element extending outward from the upperface to contact a user's teeth; and the second movable part beingmounted for movement relative to the base and including (i) a secondplatform having a second upper face, (ii) at least one second toothcleaning element extending outward from the upper face, and (iii) atongue extending in a direction opposite to the at least one secondtooth cleaning element for receipt in the slot, the tongue including atleast one flange that extends laterally beyond the opening of the slotto hold the second movable part to the head.
 20. The toothbrush head ofclaim 19 further including at least one elastomeric wall extendingoutward from the second upper face.
 21. The toothbrush head of claim 20wherein the at least one elastomeric wall is curved.
 22. The toothbrushhead of claim 20 wherein the at least one elastomeric wall is positionedalong a perimeter portion of the second platform.
 23. The toothbrushhead of claim 20 wherein the first upper face is generally circular, thesecond upper face is generally elongate and provided with a frontconcave end that partially wraps around the first upper face, and the atleast one elastomeric wall includes end portions positioned by theforward ends of the concave end at the forward end of the second upperface.
 24. The toothbrush head of claim 19 wherein the first movable partis capable of oscillation about an axis extending outward from the firstupper face.
 25. The toothbrush head of claim 19 wherein the tongue andthe opening each has a generally T-shaped configuration.